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PM Modi Highlights 7.8% GDP Growth Despite Global Economic Self-Interest Challenges
- India’s GDP grew by 7.8% in Q1 FY 2025-26, outperforming global economic challenges and tariffs imposed by other countries.
- PM Modi indirectly criticized US tariffs targeting Indian exports, calling such measures “economic selfishness.”
- Growth was driven by strong performances in services, manufacturing, and agriculture.
- India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, boosted by reforms and increased industrial activity like semiconductors.
- The growth reflects India’s resilience and focus on self-reliance despite external economic pressures.
Minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh Allowed to Stay Without Passport Who Came To India Till 2024
- Minorities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Christians) from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh arriving on or before December 31, 2024, can stay in India without valid passports or travel documents.
- The exemption is for those fleeing religious persecution or fearing it, regardless of the validity of their documents.
- The order is under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, extending protections beyond the 2014 cutoff in the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
- This landmark relief addresses concerns, especially of Hindus from Pakistan, who crossed after 2014.
- While stay without a passport is allowed, this does not automatically grant citizenship, which is subject to existing CAA criteria.
Kolkata Metro Crosses 8 Lakh Daily Ridership, Earns Rs 1.6 Crore from Tickets
- On September 1, 2025, Kolkata Metro achieved its highest-ever daily ridership with over 8 lakh passengers.
- New metro extensions added 14 km, boosting ridership by over 30% overnight.
- The East-West Green Line crossed 2 lakh daily passengers for the first time; the Blue Line carried 5.8 lakh.
- Ticket revenue hit a record Rs 1.6 crore, with Blue Line contributing Rs 1.1 crore and Green Line Rs 38 lakh.
- About 40% of ticket transactions were digital via QR codes, highlighting growing digital adoption.
Lokah Director Dominic Arun Pays Tribute to Priyadarshan Through Kalyani’s Kiliye Kiliye Scene
- Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is a Malayalam superhero film directed by Dominic Arun, known for its unique storyline and technical brilliance on a ₹30 crore budget.
- The Kiliye Kiliye song scene marking Kalyani Priyadarshan’s on-screen entry was a special tribute by the director to her father, renowned filmmaker Priyadarshan, inspired by his movie Vandanam.
- Kalyani Priyadarshan delivers a career-defining performance as the lead character Chandra in this film, which is the first of a planned five-part franchise.
- The film blends folklore, mythology, and superhero elements, receiving strong audience praise and opening a new era for Malayalam superhero cinema.
- The sequel and future parts are already planned, with continued high hopes for the franchise’s success.
Shilpa Shetty Shuts Iconic Bastian Bandra Amid ₹60 Crore Fraud Allegations; Sister Outlet to Stay Open
- Shilpa Shetty announced the closure of her iconic Mumbai restaurant Bastian Bandra after 9 years, calling it “the end of an era” and planned a special farewell evening.
- The closure follows allegations of a ₹60 crore fraud filed by businessman Deepak Kothari against Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra, accusing them of misusing investment funds for personal expenses.
- The couple’s lawyer denied the allegations, calling them baseless and highlighting that the case involves an old transaction with full documentation.
- While Bastian Bandra is closing, the sister location Bastian At The Top in Worli will continue operations, including the popular event Arcane Affair relocating there.
- The case is under investigation by the Economic Offences Wing in Mumbai, and the controversy has drawn significant media attention.
India’s Services Sector Growth Hits 15-Year High in August; Inflation Pressure Intensifies
- India’s services sector PMI hit a 15-year high of 62.9 in August, driven by strong new orders and international demand.
- The Composite PMI for manufacturing and services rose to a 17-year high of 63.2, indicating broad economic strength.
- New business expanded for the 49th consecutive month, supported by export demand from the US, Europe, and Asia.
- Employment growth was moderate, with more part-time hiring, as business confidence rose to a five-month peak.
- Inflation pressures increased, with prices rising at the fastest pace in over a decade due to higher labor and input costs.